Power generating article of apparel

ABSTRACT

A method and system harnesses human movement and activities into a renewable resource to generate electricity by wearing a plurality of electricity generating devices on articles of apparel, such as footwear. The generated energy can be stored in an energy storage device, such as a battery or a bank of ultra-capacitors, or the like. This stored energy can be periodically transferred to charge small devices and appliances. The technologies used, separately or in combination, include electromagnetic induction, piezoelectric, solar, and thermopiles. When used in footwear, as a person walks, they can generate electricity without noticing anything different from conventional walking, where electricity is not generated.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application No. 61/552,909, filed Oct. 28, 2011, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to power generation systems and methods and, more particularly, to an article of apparel that can generate power for future use.

Today, people face an imminent global energy crisis. Fossil fuels are running out and alternative sources to generate energy need to be discovered or invented to help solve this immense problem.

As can be seen, there is a need for a systems and methods for energy generation from renewable sources.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, an article of apparel operable to generate electricity comprises a plurality of distinct devices for generation of electricity; and a circuit board/power storage device receiving electricity generated by the plurality of distinct devices.

In another aspect of the present invention, an article of footwear comprises a plurality of distinct devices for generation of electricity; and a circuit board/power storage device receiving electricity generated by the plurality of distinct devices, wherein the plurality of distinct devices for generation of electricity include at least one of an electromagnetic induction device, a solar collection device, a piezoelectric device and a thermopile device.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of footwear having a plurality of energy generation mechanisms according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the footwear of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a detailed cross-sectional view detailing a piezoelectric device, in an uncompressed state, formed in the footwear of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a detailed cross-sectional view, shown in FIG. 4, showing the piezoelectric device in a compressed state;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the footwear of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 7 is a side view of footwear having a plurality of electromagnetic induction devices, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a method and system for harnessing human movement and activities into a renewable resource to generate electricity by wearing a plurality of electricity generating devices on articles of apparel, such as footwear. The generated energy can be stored in an energy storage device, such as a battery or a bank of ultra-capacitors, or the like. This stored energy can be periodically transferred to charge small devices and appliances. The technologies used, separately or in combination, include electromagnetic induction, piezoelectric, solar, and thermopiles. When used in footwear, as a person walks, they can generate electricity without noticing anything different from conventional walking, where electricity is not generated.

The techniques or devices used to generate electricity in the apparel or footwear include the following. One or more electromagnetic generators can use the natural lifting, linear translation and descent of the foot and other walking action as well as any flexing of the apparel. Piezoelectric elements, such as a pre-stressed plate paired with opposing convexity, can be used where pressure is generated, such as in the sole of footwear. A solar cells array or spray on solar paint can be used on exterior surfaces of the apparel. Thermopiles can use the Seebeck effect to generate electrical output or by the Peltier effect to cool the interior of the attire/footwear to a more comfortable temperature for the wearer. A circuit board can be used to collect the electrical outputs of all of the devices.

The combination and number of these various generators can depend on one or more considerations, including the size of the footwear or apparel, desired electrical output, and user preference. In case of footwear, the walking action by the person wearing it or the flexing of the footwear can cause the power generation. In some embodiments, combinations of any of the four devices or all four devices are used. The harvesting devices mounted on the shoe or apparel can generate electrical energy while walking normally or moving. Exposure to sunlight or light can generate electrical energy using solar cells or panels. The electrical energy can be collected and stored in a capacitor on a circuit board for future use to charge or power an electrical appliance or device.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 6, an exemplary article of apparel 10, such as footwear, can include one or more of the following electricity generation devices: an electromagnetic induction device 12, a solar collection device 24, a piezoelectric device 26 and a thermopile device 30. When a user is walking in the footwear or flexing the footwear, power can be generated by the electromagnetic induction device 12 and the piezoelectric device 26. When the user is in the sun, the footwear can generate power by the solar collection device 24. When there is a temperature differential between the outside temperature and the inside temperature of the footwear, the footwear can generate power by the thermopile device 30. If needed, the inside of the footwear can be cooled for the wearer's comfort by reversing the current using a Peltier effect. Wires 20 can be used to electrically connect the various devices 12, 24, 26, 30 with a circuit board/power storage device 22.

One embodiment of the apparel or footwear uses one or more electromagnetic induction devices 12 (FIG. 7 shows one embodiment of the use of multiple electromagnetic induction devices 12) attached to the footwear or garment. The electromagnetic induction device 12 can snap on or be attachable/detachable by other means, or can be modules or built onto or within the shoe structure or garment/apparel. The electromagnetic induction device 12 may be mounted on the outside of the shoe or placed in the sole of the shoe or on or within the garment/apparel. In either case, the one or more electromagnetic induction devices 12 includes a tube (circular or rectangular or square cross section, for example) with two end repelling magnets 16 (such as those used in Nightstar® flashlight or any other flashlight that lights up a bulb on shaking it) disposed on opposite ends, a single or multiple set of coils 18 of conductive metal wires, such as copper coils, are wrapped around the tube and a core magnet 14 that moves axially inside the tube. The tube will have either one or more coils 18 or series of coils 18 to maximize electrical output. The movement of the core magnet 14 creates an EMI current generated in the coils 18. The inside of the tube is made frictionless as possible by using carbon nanoparticles or other suitable lubricant.

In one embodiment, a plurality of electromagnetic induction devices 12 are arranged so that the devices 12 are placed at different angles to harvest the maximum range of the human foot movement. Optional magnetic shielding can be disposed around the device 12 to reduce magnetic interference. The generated electrical energy is then stored in the circuit board/power storage device 22, also mounted on the shoe for use. The circuit board/power storage device 22 can include various energy storage means, such as ultra-capacitors, batteries, or the like.

In one embodiment, one or more piezoelectric devices 26 are inserted in the sole 28 of the footwear or under the insole of the footwear and located under the heel part of the foot or the top pad of the foot. Typically, paired sets of pre-stressed Thunder® or similar pre-stressed plates, slightly arched in the downward convexity can be used as the piezoelectric devices 26. The arch/curve on these plates can be compressed inward or flattened by the wearer's heels' protuberance to produce the maximum deflection of the plates as well as provide a “cushion like” feeling when a person walks. The arch or the dome of the piezoelectric device 26 can be arched or domed with respect to a plane of the sole 28 of the footwear, the peak of the arch or the dome can be a minimum distance from the sole 28 of the footwear. Sets of piezoelectric device 26 plates, with their convexity opposing each other from a base plate, can be electrically connected and placed to achieve maximum electrical output. The number of these pairs can be adjusted to the size of the shoe and heel. Although a specific piezoelectric material is described, any known or hereafter developed piezoelectric materials when available can be used in the heel or under front pad of foot or located at any compression/decompression points of the apparel on a body.

In one embodiment, a plurality of piezoelectric devices 26 is used. The plurality of piezoelectric devices 26 can be electrically connected to optimize the charging and rectifying circuitry. In one embodiment, the piezoelectric plates are physically arranged so that their respective convex sides are in contact. In one embodiment, the piezoelectric plates are physically arranged so that their concave sides are in contact. The piezoelectric elements can be arranged so that a respective convex side is in contact with the concave side of the next subsequent piezoelectric element.

In another embodiment, piezoelectric strips can be used that generate electricity as they are flexed or bent. These piezoelectric strips can be arranged on the footwear at any location that has any bending or flexing movements. In one embodiment, piezoelectric elements can be incorporated into the portions of the garment that flexes or bends such as the elbow of a jacket or knee portion of legwear. In this manner, as the wearer's limb flexes, the piezoelectric element generates electricity.

In an embodiment using a solar collection device 24, the footwear or garment can generate electricity whenever the garment or footwear is exposed to light or sunlight. Solar thin film can be used as a photovoltaic generator. The film would either be built into the materials of the footwear and covered with a protective coating or attached laterally as a snap on or attachable/detachable by other means module. The film can be a single piece or multiple pieces connected by a conductive material for maintaining durability of the device and flexibility of the shoe/apparel. The film and circuitry can be printed in the desired shape by using modern techniques.

Solar paint can be sprayed onto or integrated into the fabric of the shoe/garment/apparel as and when the material becomes readily available. The generated electrical energy can then be stored in, for example, an ultra-capacitor, also mounted on the shoe for use.

In one embodiment, thermopile devices 30 can be structurally engineered into the shoe or apparel so that the thermal gradient that would exist between the inside and outside of the shoe or apparel or garment is used to generate electricity, which can then be harvested and stored. The generated electrical energy can be stored in, for example, an ultra-capacitor for use. Similarly, thermopiles can be incorporated into other garments including hats, gloves, jackets, helmets or the like to achieve similar temperature differentials for power generation.

Collection of electrical energy can be accomplished using ultra-capacitors, either built into the footwear or as part of a snap on or attachable/detachable by other means modules that are based on expandable modular systems and using currently available techniques or that may become available in the future to rectify, modulate and store current.

The stored energy can be output, in some embodiments, as 5 volts direct current (DC) to power most modern devices. However, the output can be varied to suit the application or device that is being powered. A DC-to-DC converter, Zener diode or ultra-capacitors with different ratings are some (but not all) of the methods to vary the output of the energy needed to power devices and units. All circuits can be miniaturized, ruggedized and electrically isolated from the rest of the shoe or apparel or garment.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An article of apparel operable to generate electricity comprising: a plurality of distinct devices for generation of electricity; and a circuit board/power storage device receiving electricity generated by the plurality of distinct devices.
 2. The article of apparel of claim 1, wherein the plurality of distinct devices for generation of electricity include at least one of an electromagnetic induction device, a solar collection device, a piezoelectric device and a thermopile device.
 3. The article of apparel of claim 1, wherein the circuit board/power storage device includes at least one of a battery and ultra-capacitors.
 4. The article of apparel of claim 1, wherein the plurality of distinct devices for generation of electricity include at least one of each of the following devices: an electromagnetic induction device, a solar collection device, a piezoelectric device and a thermopile device.
 5. The article of apparel of claim 1, wherein the article of apparel is footwear.
 6. The article of apparel of claim 5, wherein a piezoelectric device is disposed above a sole of the footwear.
 7. An article of footwear comprising: a plurality of distinct devices for generation of electricity; and a circuit board/power storage device receiving electricity generated by the plurality of distinct devices, wherein the plurality of distinct devices for generation of electricity include at least one of an electromagnetic induction device, a solar collection device, a piezoelectric device and a thermopile device.
 8. The article of footwear of claim 7, wherein the circuit board/power storage device includes at least one of a battery and ultra-capacitors.
 9. The article of footwear of claim 7, wherein the plurality of distinct devices for generation of electricity include at least one of each of the electromagnetic induction device, the solar collection device, the piezoelectric device and the thermopile device.
 10. The article of footwear of claim 7, wherein a plurality of the electromagnetic induction devices are disposed in the footwear. 